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My 1st Tube Equipment Experience

I just purchased a used Herron Audio VTSP-3A(r02) tube preamp, as a replacement for a NAD M12.  I paired the M12 with a NAD M22 v2.  My first impressions are the M12 has more detail, the VTSP is much warmer, which is what I wanted.  The VTSP sound is definitely different.  And while it lacks the M12 detail, I do like it.  

With the M12, my speakers were dead silent when music was not playing.  With the VTSP, I hear a slight hiss when I put my ear very near a speaker.  With the M12, I used XLR from the M12 to the M22; XLR from my Parasound JC3 jr; and RCA from my Liberty DAC.  With the VTSP, everything now is RCA.

Is a little hiss common when using a tube preamp and SS power amp with RCA cables?
128x128oldschool1948
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948 OP
501 posts
 
With the Heron volume level set to 60 and the M22 gain set to Low, the sound was hollow.  With the Heron volume level set to 60 and the M22 gain set to Mid, everything opened up.  The detail is there, and the sound is so much more musical with a wider soundstage than the M12.  The M12 is a good piece, but as my system has evolved, the Heron fits soooo much better.

While the hiss is still slightly there, it is less with the M22 gain set to Mid.  I’m satisfied (at least for now).

jackd
1,068 posts
 
Is that with the preamp’s gain set to high or low? Also what speaker are you using?  If you are having to put your ear to the tweeter to hear the hiss then you are good to go so just enjoy what the Herron brings to the table. 
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948 OP
501 posts
 
This preamp has no gain setting that I can find, at least on the outside.  My speakers are Tannoy 8 dcti.  And yes, I have to put my ear to the tweeter to hear the hiss.  

I like the Heron paired with the M22 v2.  I’m hearing all of the detail I heard with the M12, without the “glare.” 
jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
467 posts
 
^ two gain modes - selected by using the phono button on the front panel
14 db and 8 db respectively 

http://www.herronaudio.com/images/vtsp3Aman.pdf
jackd
1,068 posts
 
Sounds like you have found a good match then.  
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